West Ham go into the break a goal behind after Fulham opened the scoring on the stroke of half time in this afternoon's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.
With most of the Fulham side playing in third gear due to their impending Europa Cup final appearance West Ham have, unsurprisingly, controlled much of the half. But the only goal of the opening 45 came from Clint Dempsey, who lost marker Julien Faubert before slipping the ball under Rob Green with what proved to be the final kick of the half.Prior to that United had squandered a string of chances to take the lead, none more notably than Radoslav Kovac who nodded wide from the edge of the six yard box when left unmarked at a corner - as did Matthew Upson earlier in the half. Manuel Da Costa also went close with a fizzing 35-yard drive that drew a fine save from Mark Schwarzer.
Carlton Cole was unlucky to be called offside when sent through on goal two minutes ahead of the break, whilst Mark Noble forced a good save from the 'keeper with a drive from the edge of the box - although Fulham could have been a goal ahead by that stage had Dempsey's 25th minute effort been an inch lower; Rob Green, who watched the ball sail over his head drawing a sign of relief as the American's effort clipped the bar before bouncing to safety.
West Ham went into today's game protecting a 36-year unbeaten record at Craven Cottage, whilst knowing that a point would guarantee, absolutely, their place in next season's Premier League. We'll be back at the end of the match with a full report.
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